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Swedish Space Policy at a Crossroads


Why long-term commitment matters for Sweden’s growing New Space economy

Published by Thomas Engstedt, CEO, Nanovac AB


1. Background – a debate worth following

In an opinion piece published today in Dagens Industri¹, leading voices in the Swedish space community warn that the proud slogan “Sweden is a small country but a great space nation” risks becoming little more than wishful thinking. While the 2018 National Space Strategy laid solid foundations, the promised follow-through in funding and industrial support has not materialised.


At Nanovac AB we (among other things) design and build highly specialised vacuum systems (thermalvacuum, propulsiontesting, bakeout/outgassing) that test satellites, instruments and other space hardware under true-to-orbit conditions. Because every chamber we build represents a decade-long investment by both us and our customers, we feel the policy headwinds directly.


2. What is at stake?

  • • Predictable funding* Our industry plans on ten-year time horizons. When ESA contributions and domestic R&D grants shift from one budget cycle to the next, it becomes difficult for SMEs to scale production and retain top talent.

  • • Competitive infrastructure* Flagship facilities such as Esrange are invaluable, but so are ground-test solutions in Sweden’s industrial clusters. With steady support, these assets can attract international projects instead of watching them migrate abroad.

  • • Innovation ecosystems* The most exciting progress in “New Space” comes from tight collaboration among primes, deep-tech SMEs, start-ups and academia. Sweden needs a platform where that entire chain can speak with one voice.


3. Nanovac’s three recommendations

3.1 Establish a ten-year funding framework

A transparent, multi-year ESA and national R&D commitment gives companies and universities the confidence to invest in people, facilities and export capacity.

3.2 Treat test facilities as strategic export assets

Thermal-vacuum chambers, propulsion test stands and materials-outgassing labs generate high-value work orders from around the world. Investing locally pays dividends globally.

3.3 Create an industry council for New Space & Deep Tech

Bring SMEs, primes, start-ups and research institutes together before the next ESA ministerial meeting. A coordinated roadmap will help Sweden deliver breakthrough technology rather than simply supplying raw materials to other nations’ value chains.


4. The bottom line

Sweden’s space ecosystem is small but powerful. With a clearer political compass and stable financing, we can remain a per-capita leader in Europe’s space development—rather than falling behind our Nordic neighbours.


5. Continue the conversation

We invite policymakers, researchers and industry peers to join us in shaping the next chapter of Swedish space. Get in touch if you would like to collaborate on advanced testing infrastructure, or simply to share ideas on how we keep Sweden at the cutting edge of New Space.


Notes & further reading

  1. Swedish original (paywall, in Swedish): “Svensk rymdpolitik på väg in i ett svart hål”, Dagens Industri, 12 May 2025.

  2. Learn more about our thermal-vacuum chambers

  3. Overview of our space test capabilities


Keywords: Swedish space policy, New Space, thermal-vacuum chambers, ESA funding, deep-tech SMEs.

 
 
 

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